Stories of the Buddha

Maudgalyayana Rescuing His Mother

Maudgalyayana was foremost in supernatural
powers among the Buddha’s disciples. While his mother was alive, she slandered
the sages and those who were virtuous; therefore, she fell into the realm of
hungry ghosts after death. Using his supernatural powers, Maudgalyayana learned
of his mother’s suffering and wished to offer her food. Even though she was
hungry, whenever food entered her mouth, it turned into ashes. Maudgalyayana
sought the Buddha’s advice on how to save his mother. The Buddha told him that
her negative karma was so strong that individual effort was insufficient to
rescue her. Maudgalyayana was instructed to offer a variety of food to the
Sangha on the last day of the rainy season retreat. The merits gained from the
offerings could help her repent her wrongdoings and free her from suffering. This
was the origin of the Ullambana service.